One in Eight New Cancer Cases Worldwide in 2024 Linked to Infections

A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) indicates that in 2024 around 12%, or one in eight, of new cancer cases worldwide were linked to infections. That amounts to roughly 2.3 million cases out of a total of 19.2 million. The findings were published in the medical journal The Lancet Oncology and reported by the Daily Mail. The result matters because a large share of these cancers can be prevented.

Five main infections

Most of the infection-related cancers were caused by just five infections: the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and the Epstein-Barr virus.

The largest number of cases, about 760,000, were tied to H. pylori. This common stomach bacterium mainly causes stomach cancer, though researchers also point to a link with a higher risk of bowel cancer.

HPV ranks second with about 750,000 cases. The virus mainly causes cervical cancer, as well as other genital cancers and head and neck cancers.

Where the burden is greatest

The heaviest burden of infection-related cancers falls on low- and middle-income countries, especially in East Asia.

What can be done

Experts stress that a large proportion of these cases are preventable. Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, timely treatment, screening and hygiene measures can all help.